Synthetic biology and the environment

Richard Owen, University of Exeter

Synthetic Biology:

‘the design and engineering of biologically based parts, novel devices and systems as well as the redesigning of existing natural systems’(RAEng, 2009)

Engineering of biological systems to perform new functions in amodular, reliable and predictable way, applying design principles

RAEng (2009) Visions (10 and 25 years), as these relate to the environment

1. Advanced biofuels

2. Carbon capture e.g. by the development of artificial leaf technology

3. Engineer new types of environmentally – friendly pesticides

4. Substitution of petroleum- based products with biologically engineered substitutes

5. Synthetic biotechnology processes and protocols for the synthesis of fine chemicalsindustrial-based enzymes and pharmaceuticals.

A ‘compass bearing helping to aligninterests towards future growth opportunities’

‘Develop new products, processes and services of clear public benefit which generate economic growth and create jobs’

`Meeting societal challenges

Technology Strategy Board / RCUK Industrial Feasibilities Competition

Waste feedstocks(e.g. lignin)Non scarce resourcesNon petrochemical FeedstocksBiomass feedstocks(e.g. rapeseed)

EngineeredCellular Factories /Enzymaticcatalysts

High value chemicalsGeneric chemicalintermediates(Bio) fuelsPharmaceuticals

Closed loop approaches, eco-efficiency, less reliance on non renewablesources, yield improvement and reduced use of toxic chemicals

1. Sustainable manufacturing and energy production

2. Novel (e.g. engineered phage, sterile vector) approaches for human and livestock antibiotics, pest control, disease control

potential for reduction in pesticide use, and potential for impacts / interactions of engineered organisms released into the environment

Technology Strategy Board / RCUK Industrial Feasibilities Competition

1. What is the purpose, why do you want to do it, …..and what are you going to gain from it?

Questions of purpose, motivation and who benefits, its socialand political constitution

2. What else is it going to do?

Questions of risks and unanticipated impacts / interactions,

3. How do you know you are right?

Questions of the status (and limits) of knowledge, governanceand ethics

Synthetic Biology and the environment: dimensions

1. Help, or hinder the conservation of biological diversity, and / or provide conservation solutions e.g. reducing disease in wildlife populations,resurrecting extinct species?

2. Help us transition to more sustainable, and secure manufacturing, energy and food production processes,( e.g. closed loop approaches using feedstocks from waste or non scarce resources)

3. Reframe our perceptions and understanding of what is ‘natural’ and our relationship with the natural environment?

4. Pose risks associated with release into the environment (e.g. for pest or infectious disease control) impacting native species, ecosystem diversity, function and resilience? How will synthetic artefacts interact?

5. Create new social, political and economic relationships / dependencieswith direct or indirect environmental consequences e.g. land use

Some points for discussion – just to get you thinking (and with thanks to Redford et al, 2013)

Could (should) synthetic biology…….

and more broadly:

What is the status of knowledge and how is synthetic biology framed?

How can we foster responsible innovation and what might this mean forhow programmes of science and innovation are commissioned and delivered?

What might this mean for NERC, and for you? How do you want to engage?